But these old photographs, selected from the Evening News archive, give a flavour of the many different types of work people were doing five decades ago.
From herbalist to taxidermist and from saddler to steeplejack, the pictures highlight occupations which were keeping people busy in the Capital 50 years ago.
Scroll through the pictures and turn back the clock to get a taste of life in Edinburgh in the 1970s.
5. Butcher's back shop
One member of staff cuts up the meat in the back room of the Edinburgh butchers Campbell Brothers in Queen Street, June 1974. | TSPL Photo: Ian Brand
6. Doric Tavern
Waitresses at the Doric Tavern in Edinburgh in February 1973. | TSPL Photo: Hamish Campbell
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7. High on the bridge
Riggers Bobby Banks and Alex Hutchison climbing one of the cable suspenders of the Forth Road bridge in April 1974. | TSPL Photo: Hamish Campbell
8. Take away counter
Women working at the take away counter of the Castle Light Bite restaurant run by Martins the Bakers which opened at 132 Princes Street, Edinburgh, January 1973. | TSPL Photo: Denis Straughan